England’s Luke Pearce will be the referee for Ireland vs Italy in the 2024 Six Nations.
Frenchman Pierre Bourset took charge of the second leg and was scheduled to make his championship debut at the whistle, but was forced to withdraw due to a calf problem.
So Pearce stepped in and the Exeter-based whistleblower was appointed for his 50th international Test. This goal was to be reached in the fourth round match between Wales and France.
The 36-year-old began his refereeing journey in Devon at the age of 16 and by the age of 21 he was refereeing in the Tier 2 Championship.
They were quickly promoted to the Premiership and stepped up to Test level in February 2013.
Pearce has been held back at times by the depth of English refereeing, but his communicative style and penchant for pace have endeared him to players.
He was in charge of his first Premiership final last year, overseeing Saracens’ victory over Sale at Twickenham, before becoming one of four British referees at the World Cup in the autumn.
Bourset was expected to have the support of his compatriots in his Six Nations debut, but Pearce now leads an all-French side.
Experienced Mathieu Reynal will be on hand as assistant referee, while Luc Ramos and TMO Eric Gauzan will complete the refereeing line-up.
Ireland vs Italy match official
Referee: Luke Pearce (English)
AR: Mathieu Reynal (France) & Luc Ramos (France)
TMO: Eric Gauzan (France)